Vito Coppola is an Italian-born Latin American dancer and 2023 Strictly Come Dancing champion, when he lifted the Glitterball Trophy with actress Ellie Leach.
Vito joined Strictly in 2022 and quickly established himself as one of the show’s most charismatic and technically brilliant professionals. His career began at age six, and by ten he was already winning national titles. Over the years, he has become:
- 11-time Italian Latin American Champion
- European Cup Winner
- 3-time World Championship Finalist
Before joining Strictly, he also won the Italian version of the show, Ballando con le Stelle, in 2021 with singer Arisa.
Vito and partner Scarlett Moffatt were crowned 2025 Strictly Christmas Special champions on Christmas day. The couple received a perfect score from the judges and the most votes from the studio audience for their Cha Cha Cha to Cher’s DJ Play a Christmas Song.
Learn all about Vito Coppola’s amazing dancing career, dance partners, relationships, awards, photos, facts, age, height, and read his latest news, announcements and tours below Table of Contents
Who is Vito Coppola’s Celebrity Partner in Strictly 2026?
Vito Coppola is partnered with award-winning EastEnders actress Lacey Turner for Strictly Come Dancing 2026. Best known and loved as Stacey Slater, Lacey is swapping Albert Square drama for ballroom sparkle. Her natural warmth and determination, combined with Vito’s infectious energy, passionate choreography and championship experience, promise a joyful partnership bursting with personality and plenty of memorable moments.
On joining Strictly, Lacey said:
“I am so excited to be making my way to the dance floor this year to be a part of Strictly Come Dancing! I am a huge fan and can’t quite believe I will be taking part and not watching at home this year! I look forward to meeting everyone and learning a new skill!”
Quick Facts About Vito Coppola
| Attribute | Detail |
| Age | 34 (born 27 September 1992) |
| From | Italy |
| Height | 5ft 11in (1.80m) |
| Favourite Dance | Samba |
| Languages | Italian, English, Russian, Spanish |
5* Weekend Breaks with the stars of Strictly Come Dancing
Who better to teach you to dance than the professional dancers from Strictly? You can meet the stars, learn their steps and be captivated as they perform spectacular shows just for you.
- When
- Friday 19th – Sunday 21st March 2027
- Where
- 4* De Vere Beaumont Estate, Old Windsor
✨ Star Studded Line-Up ✨
- ✨ Anton Du Beke
- ✨ Katya Jones
- ✨ Julian Caillon & Alexis Warr
- ✨ Aljaz Skorjanec & Janette Manrara
See the full star-studded line-up
- ✨ British Showdance Champions David Cockram & Rosie Ward
- ✨ Team Warren & Kristi Boyce
- ✨ Argentine Tango Stars
- ✨ Tony Greenwood 15-Piece Big Band
Vito Coppola Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Vito Coppola’s Celebrity Partner in 2025?
In 2025’s Strictly Come Dancing, Vito was partnered with model and actress Ellie Goldstein (aged 22). Ellie made history as the first model with down syndrome to grace the cover of the British Vogue magazine.
Ellie’s determination and positivity, paired with Vito’s passionate choreography made this one of the most inspiring partnerships of the series, earning them the nickname “Team Cheeky” they had a fabulous time until Halloween week.
Vito and Ellie danced their final dance as they became the next couple to leave the competition in Halloween week. Their terrifying Tango received a huge ovation. Motsi was proud of Ellie’s progress and Craig loved seeing more technique. But sadly it was time for “Team Cheeky” to leave the contest.
Vito and Ellie Samba’d their way through movie week in an explosion of pink sparkles as they Dance The Night away Barbie style. Motsi said “most improved, gained control, put your heart on the dancefloor, made us so happy”. Anton said “what a performance, sensational”. Ellie was thrilled with the comments and her highest score so far.
Ellie and Vito Cha Cha Cha-ed into week one with such a fun vibe. Shirley said “you shone like a bright star” and handed Ellie a Fabulous fan! Anton said it was “joyful” and “step-perfect”. A fabulous birthday celebration for Vito!
In the 2025 Strictly Christmas special, Vito partnered Saturday Night Takeaway presenter Scarlett Moffatt
Who was Vito Coppola’s Celebrity Partner in 2024?
In the 2024 series, Vito was partnered with actress and comedian Sarah Hadland (age 53).
Vito & Sarah’s Strictly 2024 Journey
- Week 1: Quickstep to 9 to 5 by Dolly Parton
- Movie Week: Viennese Waltz to Hedwig’s Theme (praised as “haunting and brilliant”)
- Week 8: American Smooth – lifts described as “spectacular”
- Blackpool Week: Topped the leaderboard with a Couple’s Choice routine
- Week 10: Rumba – scored 36, with two 10s, the highest Rumba score of the season
They made it all the way to the Grand Final, marking Vito’s third consecutive final since joining Strictly.
When did Vito Coppola join Strictly Come Dancing?
Vito joined the Strictly professional line-up in 2022. On joining, he said:
“I am really excited to become part of this family. I cannot wait to start this new adventure and to challenge myself. Strictly sto arrivando! (Strictly, I am coming!).”
Who has Vito danced with on Strictly?
| Series (Year) | Celebrity Partner | Finish / Position |
| Series 20 (2022) | Fleur East (singer and presenter) | Runner-up – Grand Final |
| Series 21 (2023) | Ellie Leach (actress) | Winner – Glitterball champions |
| Series 22 (2024) | Sarah Hadland (actress and comedian) | Runner-up – Grand Final |
| Series 23 (2025) | Ellie Goldstein (model and actress) | Eliminated Halloween Week |
| Series 24 (2026) | Lacey Turner (EastEnders actress) | Current partnership |
Has Vito Coppola ever won Strictly?
Yes, Vito won Strictly Come Dancing 2023 with actress Ellie Leach, lifting the Glitterball Trophy. He previously won the Italian version of the show, Ballando con le Stelle, in 2021 with singer Arisa.
What are Vito Coppola’s greatest dance achievements?
Vito is an 11-time Italian Latin American Champion, a European Cup Winner, and a 3-time World Championship Finalist. He began dancing at six years old, winning national titles by the age of ten, and has since built a career performing on the global stage. Vito also won Celebrity MasterChef in 2024.
Interesting fact about Vito Coppola
Vito is multilingual, speaking Italian, English, Russian, and Spanish fluently.
Find out more about Vito’s dancing profile on his official BBC Strictly Come Dancing profile page.
Vito Coppola Tour Dates & Venues
Back in Business is Vito Coppola & Dianne Buswell’s 2027 UK tour, running from 31 March–18 April. A live theatre show featuring Ballroom and Latin dance. View dates, venues and ticket availability on the official tour website Vito Coppola tour tickets.
BBC Strictly Come Dancing
Find out more information about the BBC TV programme Strictly Come Dancing
by checking out the BBC Strictly Come Dancing website
www.bbc.co.uk/strictlycomedancing
Donahey’s Dance Lessons & UK Weekend Breaks are not associated with BBC Studios
Meet all the Strictly Come Dancing Professional Dancers
Learn more about all your favourite Strictly Pro’s here
– Aljaz Skorjanec
– Alexis Warr
– Amy Dowden MBE
– Carlos Gu
– Dianne Buswell
– Giovanni Pernice
– Gorka Marquez
– Jowita Przystal
– Julian Caillon
– Kai Widdrington
– Karen Hauer
– Katya Jones
– Lauren Oakley
– Luba Mushtuk
– Michelle Tsiakkas
– Nadiya Bychkova
– Nancy Xu
– Neil Jones
– Nikita Kuzmin
– Vito Coppola
– Aleksandra Isaeva
– Cristian Priori
– Lethabo Monametsi
– Maddie Ingoldsby
– Mark Karmalita
Meet the Strictly Come Dancing Presenters
Learn more about Strictly presenters Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe
Meet all the Strictly Come Dancing Judges
Learn more about all the Strictly Judges here;
– Anton du Beke
– Shirley Ballas
– Motsi Mabuse
– Craig Revel Horwood
